SAEF2 Project Manager/Grants Specialist Senior

Working Title: SAEF2 Project Manager
Job Class: Grants Specialist Senior
Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

• Job ID: 90020
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/04/2025
• Closing Date: 11/17/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor and Industry-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Apprenticeship
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $ $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 06/30/2027
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This is an eighteen-month temporary unclassified position with an anticipated end date of, 06/30/2027.

This position is funded by a federal State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grant.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the primary work location will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. For this position, the primary work location is St. Paul. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this or if you are not able to comply with this policy.

This position is responsible for the project management and successful implementation of the Minnesota State Apprenticeship Expansion Fund Competitive Grant (SAEF2 Competitive) and for identifying plans to sustain grant goals beyond the life of the grant funding.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and manage the implementation of the Minnesota State Apprenticeship Expansion Fund Competitive Grant (SAEF2 Competitive).
• Developing requests for proposals (RFPs).
• Provide administrative technical assistance and oversight for grant contractors, managing contracts and vendor relations.
• Track and oversee budgets.
• Draft and finalize quarterly narrative and performance reports.
• Collect and upload data into the data management system; Workforce One.
• Coordinate any grant modification requests with the Apprenticeship Minnesota Federal Grants manager.
• Provide day to day operations, including working directly with partners, DLI staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of experience* in grant management, loan management or project management experience involving evaluating, administering, accounting for, and/or monitoring of grants or loans.

• Experience includes internships, fellowships, volunteering, and work experience that are directly related to the job duties.
• Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of governmental budgeting and legislative processes sufficient to consolidate multiple program activities and to propose legislative initiatives to meet current and future program needs.
• Ability to plan projects and operations sufficient to organize projects with others, establish goals and timetables, clarify mutual expectations, tracking and reporting, and evaluate results.
• Communication skills, verbal and written, sufficient to write reports, bulletins, procedures, rules, and correspondence and to establish and maintain constructive, productive, and positive working relationships and partnerships.
• Human relations skills sufficient to build networks of colleagues throughout the public sector and to effectively persuade clients and other governmental officials by understanding complex and oftentimes, competing relationships and political agendas.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or common experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Management of contracts involving federal funding, including state apprenticeship expansion grants.
• Development and administration of requests for proposals.
• Knowledge of state procurement and reporting systems.
• Language skills other than English (Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen or ASL).

Additional Requirements
It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver's License Check, Education/License Verification.

How To Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at or email For additional information about the application process, go to

Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five Recently Separated Veterans, who apply and meet the qualifications for the vacancy, must be granted an interview. To be considered a Recently Separated Veteran, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States;
• Have served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty OR have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty;
• Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
• Have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001 as shown on your form DD-214.

To be considered under this legislation, you must meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; meet all of the above RSV criteria; and submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
• Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
• Meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.

To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or , or fax

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jenny Karjala at or

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jenny Karjala at

About Labor & Industry Dept
The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota's work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.

Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

• Fertility care, including IVF

• Diabetes care

• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies
based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at or email and let us know the support you need.